Sunday, September 28, 2014

The Bar by Sam Kinugawa @ Empire Damansara

The Bar opened this week with no fanfare, no flashy launches & no hype, hidden on a secluded corridor with no foot traffic, providing pleasurable proof that some of the places most worth unveiling are the ones that modestly try to fly under the radar.

The Bar - a name that's markedly minimalist - is spearheaded by the two-man show of Japanese bartender Osam "Sam" Kinugawa & his Malaysian partner Chin; the story goes that Chin once visited Kinugawa's Tokyo workplace, Bar Nems in Meguro, & was so impressed that he coaxed Kinugawa to come to Malaysia & helm a similar bar here.

The Bar is on Empire Damansara's first floor; it currently has no neighbours, since most of this complex's F&B outlets - from Boat Noodle to Sevencups - remain firmly one floor below. It's an elegant space with elevated seating at the counter that evokes the feel of a sushi bar, bringing customers to an even eye-level with Kinugawa, the better to stimulate conversation.

The still-serene interior is swathed in warm, welcoming hues; we also like the alfresco terrace with its verdant view. Our new favourite secret spot plans to smoke its own ham & cheese soon, serving them as snacks that might be a magnet for crowds.

No official cocktail list is offered so far, but we recommend this rendition of the Moscow Mule, comprising Belvedere Vodka & The Bar's own-made ginger ale. Most of the cocktails cost between RM30 & RM50.

Fruit cocktails are a speciality here; our best-loved mangosteen makes an admirable appearance, its tasty-sweet essence mixed with rum. Chin & Kinugawa say their dragon fruit cocktail is also a winner, but we'll save that for future sipping. Expect to hear more about The Bar in the months to come.

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Baby Sumo: yeah, it's a refreshing change from a lot of the other bars around kl. and the music seems to be kept soft and discreet, phew. as soon as chin mentioned mangosteen cocktail, i knew i'd order it! :)